Beef Brisket

Beef brisket is a cut of meat from the lower chest or breast of the cow, known for its rich flavour and tender texture when cooked slowly. It is a versatile cut that can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as roasting, braising, or smoking. Brisket is often characterised by its thick layer of fat, which helps keep the meat moist during cooking and imparts a deep, savoury taste. When slow-cooked, the brisket becomes melt-in-the-mouth tender and absorbs the flavours of any marinades, rubs, or seasonings used.

Oven Roasting (Slow-Cooked Method)

Ingredients:

• 1.5–2kg beef brisket
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 carrots, roughly chopped (optional)
• 500ml beef stock or water
• 1-2 tablespoons of your preferred seasoning (e.g., salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, or a ready-made rub)
• Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary – optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 150°C (300°F), or a low setting (around 130°C for fan-assisted ovens).

2. Prepare the Brisket: Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Rub the surface with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like. If you're using a pre-made spice rub, now is the time to apply it.

3. Sear the Brisket (Optional but recommended for extra flavour):

   • Heat a large, ovenproof pot (Dutch oven or heavy casserole dish) over medium-high heat. Add a little oil.
   • Sear the brisket on all sides until it’s browned (about 4–5 minutes per side). This step adds depth to the flavour but can be skipped if you're short on time.

4. Add Aromatics and Liquid:

   • Remove the brisket from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrots (if using). Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
   • Add the beef stock (or water) to the pot, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom (these add flavour).

5. Roast the Brisket:

   • Return the brisket to the pot, fat-side up. Cover with a lid or tightly wrap the pot in foil.
   • Place the pot in the oven and cook for 3–4 hours (or until tender). After 2 hours, check the brisket and add more stock or water if needed to keep the meat partially submerged.

6. Check for Tenderness:

   • The brisket is ready when it can be easily pierced with a fork and the meat is fork-tender. It may take longer than expected, depending on the size of the brisket.

7. Rest the Meat: Once cooked, remove the brisket from the oven and let it rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing against the grain.

8. Serve: Slice the brisket thinly across the grain and serve with the cooked vegetables and braising liquid as a gravy, or with your favourite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.

Slow Cooker Method

Ingredients:

• 1.5–2kg beef brisket
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 tablespoons of your preferred seasoning (e.g., salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, or a ready-made rub)
• 500ml beef stock or water
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, or vinegar for extra flavour

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brisket: Pat the brisket dry and rub with your seasoning mix or spices of choice.

2. Sear the Brisket (Optional): In a large pan, heat some oil over medium-high heat and sear the brisket on all sides until browned. This step adds extra flavour but can be skipped if using the slow cooker.

3. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:

   • Place the chopped onion, garlic, and any optional vegetables (like carrots or celery) at the bottom of the slow cooker.
   • Add the brisket on top of the vegetables.
   • Pour the beef stock over the brisket. If you’re using additional flavourings like Worcestershire sauce or brown sugar, add them now.

4. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The brisket is done when it’s fork-tender and easily pulls apart.

5. Rest the Meat: Once cooked, remove the brisket from the slow cooker and allow it to rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing.

6. Serve: Slice the brisket thinly across the grain and serve with the cooked vegetables and juices from the slow cooker as gravy.